When Borders Connect: ECOWAS and Drive for Affordable Roaming in West Africa
14:09 25.03.2026 (Updated: 16:29 30.10.2026)
When Borders Connect: ECOWAS and Drive for Affordable Roaming in West Africa
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For West Africans travelling across borders, staying connected has often come at a cost. Through its regional roaming framework, ECOWAS is working to reduce mobile communication charges, making it easier for citizens to stay connected as they move, trade, and conduct business across the region.
First adopted in 2017 and revised in 2026, the ECOWAS regional roaming framework seeks to reduce the cost of voice calls, SMS, and mobile data across member states. Its implementation relies on cooperation between national telecommunications regulators and mobile operators, with bilateral agreements gradually translating regional commitments into practical benefits for subscribers.
This report examines the progress of the initiative, its significance for cross-border communication and trade, and what it could mean for ordinary West Africans.
CONTRIBUTORS
Omar Alieu Touray – Then President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Mawuli Amoa – Principal Programme Officer, Telecommunications and Post Policy and Regulation, ECOWAS Commission.
Aliyu Yusuf Aboki – Executive Secretary, West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA).
Rilwan Omar Massoud – Researcher, Department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University.
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.
This report examines the progress of the initiative, its significance for cross-border communication and trade, and what it could mean for ordinary West Africans.
CONTRIBUTORS
Omar Alieu Touray – Then President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Mawuli Amoa – Principal Programme Officer, Telecommunications and Post Policy and Regulation, ECOWAS Commission.
Aliyu Yusuf Aboki – Executive Secretary, West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA).
Rilwan Omar Massoud – Researcher, Department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University.
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.
► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.
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